Can you defer scholarships for a gap year?

I've been offered a scholarship but am considering taking a gap year after high school. Is it possible to defer a scholarship for one year, and how do I go about requesting that deferral?

The ability to defer a scholarship for a gap year can vary by scholarship and by institution. While some awards do allow for deferral, others may require that funds are utilized immediately upon graduation from high school.

You should start your deferral process by directly contacting the organization or institution that granted your scholarship. The best way to do this can often be through email, thereby providing you with a written record of all correspondence. Here are a few key points you may want to include in your message:

1. Express your gratitude for the scholarship and explain your decision to take a gap year.

2. Ask if deferring the scholarship until the following academic year is possible.

3. If the deferral is possible, request for the process or forms necessary to complete this deferral.

Remember, if the deferral is not possible, you'll need to decide if taking the gap year is still the best decision for you given that you'll risk losing the scholarship. However, taking a gap year might still be the best decision for you if it aligns better with your personal, academic, or career goals.

In addition, you can also check the scholarship provider's website or initial scholarship letter/notification, as they might have information about their deferral policies.

Lastly, it's generally best to ask these questions sooner than later to ensure the best possible outcome. The more time you give the organization to process your request, the better.